Personal apparatus for conducting electroencephalography

ABSTRACT

This invention discloses an apparatus for conducting electroencephalography while allowing for secure and easy application to a human subject&#39;s forehead. The apparatus may be changed in size to fit each human subject without affecting the electronic components within the apparatus. Operation of the apparatus may be by a computer programming product in the nature of a software on a computer or an application on a mobile computer device. Signals collected from the apparatus may be used in a variety of applications, including brain computer interface, transport safety, neurofeedback, esports, virtual and augmented reality, as well as tracking sleep patterns.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus used in electroencephalography.The apparatus can operate wirelessly and may be applied to a humansubject's head in many settings with many practical applications.

Description of the Related Technology

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the recording of electrical signalsalong a mammal's scalp. Brains' neural activities generate electricalvoltage fluctuations, whose signals may be measured by EEG. EEGmeasurements are useful for medical diagnosis and behavioral therapy.Other medical techniques involving the recording of bio-potentialsignals are electrocardiograms (ECG) and electromyograms (EMG).

Electroencephalography is particularly useful in diagnosis of conditionsrelating to brain injuries, such as seizure, stroke, brain tumors,Alzheimer's disease, or certain psychoses. Neural activities generatebio-potentials, which are collected by electrodes situated by a cap orby application of each electrode on certain head regions and conductedthrough electrical connections to a process hub.

EEG apparatuses have gone through evolution to become an integral partof modern applications, such as brain computer interface for controllingof electronic devices, neurofeedback activities, electronic sports(esports), health and wellness parameter collection, virtual andaugmented reality, and to evaluate sleep pattern, among otherapplications.

EEG measurements typically require application of electrodes to thesubject's head by either a cap application or placement of eachelectrode. Placement of each electrode is time consuming and requires atrained technician. Moreover, reusable caps and electrodes requirecleaning and adding of gel, which may be time consuming and a means forgerm transmission. An electrode cap and placement of each electrode forEEG measurement are both prone to recording incorrect signals withsubject's movement. Traditional EEG apparatuses do not allow for strongmovement by human subjects.

When EEG measurements are conducted using an electrode cap, customizingthe electrode cap to fit users remain a challenge, due to various headsizes among humans. Disposable EEG caps propose an option to solve thisproblem, however disposable EEG caps can only be provided withpre-determined size.

Given the many challenges in conducting EEG, there remains a demand forsize-adjustable EEG electrode placement means, where human subjects'comfort is maximized and bio-signals collected are of high quality.Customized computer software provided together with EEG equipment isalso in high demand, such that EEG measurement can be conducted bynon-medical personnel for applications other than medicine. The currentinvention seeks to solve these problems.

SUMMARY

According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided anapparatus for performing electroencephalography on a human subject. Theapparatus comprises a flexible, non-extendible ribbon wherein theelectrodes, battery, and electronics are located, and a stretchable,elastic band covering the outside of the ribbon. The ribbon is dividedinto different segments to maximize comfort for the human subjectwearing the apparatus, while also providing a way to ensure good contactand collection of bio-signals. The band provides a way to fit thevarious human subject's head sizes. The apparatus may further comprise acomputer programming product, which can be customized by an end user toadapt the apparatus for use in different applications.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography,comprising:

-   -   a flexible ribbon with two ends having at least one signal        electrode, a reference electrode, a common electrode, at least        one battery, at least one electronic block, and multiple eyelets        along the length of the ribbon;    -   a stretchable, elastic band mounted along the length of the        ribbon through the multiple eyelets; and    -   a detachable clasp configured to connect the two ends of the        flexible ribbon and the band;    -   wherein the at least one electronic block is configured to        collect bio-signals from the at least one signal electrode and        electronically communicate collected bio-signals with an outside        computing means,    -   wherein the ribbon is divided into multiple segments, the        segments being physically and operatively connected to each        other,    -   wherein each of the at least one battery and at least one        electronic block is each located on a separate segment of the        ribbon, and    -   wherein the at least one signal electrode, the reference        electrode, and the common electrode are located on one side of        the ribbon while the multiple eyelets are on the other side of        the ribbon.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein each of the at least one signal electrode is located on aseparate segment of the ribbon.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the at least one signal electrode comprises multiplespring loaded contact electrodes arranged in a grid, the contactelectrodes are in electronic communication with the electronic block.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the contact electrodes are gold plated.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the at least one signal electrode comprises at leasteight contact electrodes.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the ribbon is made from pliable plastic.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the band is made of cloth material.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the electronic block and the battery are located ondifferent segments, each of the segment contacts a human subject's thetemple during use.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the segments of the ribbon are operatively connected byflexible, electronically conductive wires.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the common electrode and reference electrode are locatedon the same segment, the segment contacts the human subject's foreheadduring use.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the common electrode, the reference electrode, and thesignal electrodes are coated with the same conductive material.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the at least one battery and the at least one electronicblock are removable from the apparatus.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the band's length is longer than the ribbon's length, andwherein the band loops through the clasp such that the effective workinglength of the band may be changed by adjusting the band's positionrelative to the clasp.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, further comprising a computer programing product readable on acomputing article.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein in the computer programming product is configured foradditional configuration by an end user.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the computer programming product is capable of beingconfigured to filter raw data collected by the apparatus, identify areasof artifact, and provide signal spectrum composition.

There is provided an apparatus for measuring electroencephalography asabove, wherein the computer programming product is capable of beingfurther configured to identify a human subject's neural activitycondition.

There is provided a method to measure electroencephalography,comprising: providing an apparatus comprising:

-   -   a flexible ribbon with two ends having at least one signal        electrode, a reference electrode, a common electrode, at least        one battery, at least one electronic block, and multiple eyelets        along the length of the ribbon;    -   a stretchable, elastic band mounted along the length of the        ribbon through the multiple eyelets; and    -   a detachable clasp configured to connect the two ends of the        flexible ribbon and the band;    -   wherein the at least one electronic block is configured to        collect bio-signals from the at least one signal electrode and        electronically communicate collected bio-signals with an outside        computing means,        -   wherein the ribbon is divided into multiple segments, the            segments being physically and operatively connected to each            other,        -   wherein each of the at least one battery and at least one            electronic block is each located on a separate segment of            the ribbon, and        -   wherein the at least one signal electrode, the reference            electrode, and the common electrode are located on one side            of the ribbon while the multiple eyelets are on the other            side of the ribbon;    -   providing a power source to the apparatus;    -   placing the apparatus onto a human subject's head such that the        segment having the common electrode and the reference electrode        comes into physical contact with the human subject's forehead;    -   providing an outside computing device, the outside computing        device having an interface and a computer programming product        configured to operatively connect to the apparatus;    -   tightening the stretchable, elastic band using the clasp to        secure the apparatus on the human subject's head;    -   activating the apparatus using an outside computing means        interface; and    -   collecting bio-signals from the human subject using the outside        computing means interface.

There is provided a method to measure electroencephalography as above,further comprising analyzing the collected bio-signal using the computerprogramming product and outputting at least one output.

ABBREVIATIONS

DVD: Digital Versatile Disk

EEG: Electroencephalography

EMG: Electromyograms

ECG: Electrocardiograms

mm: millimeters

PCBA: Printed Circuit Board Assembly

USB: Universal Serial Bus

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the EEG apparatus according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the ribbon within the EEG apparatuswith the battery and the electronic block detached from the ribbon.

FIG. 3 depicts another perspective view of the EEG apparatus wherein thereference electrodes can be seen.

FIG. 4 is the top view of a battery and an electronic block as assembledinto the ribbon.

FIG. 5 is the front view of the common electrode and the referenceelectrode.

FIG. 6 is the front view of the contact electrodes on the EEG apparatusaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 7 is the top view of the contact electrodes of the EEG apparatusaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 8 is the cross sectional view of a section of the EEG apparatusaccording to embodiments, taken along the length of the ribbon and theelastic band.

FIG. 9 is the front view of a single contact electrode in the EEGapparatus according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

This present invention is capable of being embodied in various forms.The description below of several embodiments is made with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the claimed subject matter and is not intended tolimit the attached claims to the specific embodiments illustrated. Theheadings used throughout this disclosure are provided for convenienceonly and are not to be construed to limit the claims in any way.Embodiments illustrated under any heading may be combined withembodiments illustrated under any other heading.

As used herein, the verb “to comprise” in this description, claims, andother conjugations are used in its non-limiting sense to mean thoseitems following the word are included, but items not specificallymentioned are not excluded.

Reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” or “an” does notexclude the possibility that more than one of the elements are present,unless the context clearly requires that there is one and only one ofthe elements. The indefinite article “a” or “an” thus usually means “atleast one.” Additionally, the words “a” and “an” when used in thepresent document in concert with the words “comprising” or “containing”denote “one or more”.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in theexamples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may beread as if by prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately”, even ifthe term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or“approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position toindicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonablyexpected range of values and/or positions.

All dimensions given herein are for illustrative purposes only and in noway will limit the inventions by these dimensions. It is to beunderstood that the invention may be constructed to have differentdimensions than those provided herein and is still within the scope ofthe embodiments described herein. Drawings are not necessarily drawn toscale.

As used herein, like numerals indicate like components even though thecomponents may be used in different manners or at different places.Where there are multiple components of the same nature, a numeral refersto one, some, or all of the components of the same nature, depending onthe context.

All dimensions specified in this specification are by way of exampleonly and not intended to be limiting. The actual size of the EEGapparatus herein may be chosen or modified for intended use, includinguse in adults with different head sizes, in children and/or infants. Theactual size may also be tailored to the specific human subject who mayuse this EEG apparatus. Other sizes and dimensions are contemplated.

As used herein, the term “ribbon” refers to a swath of material having alength that is substantially longer than the width and a smallthickness, the ribbon has multiple segments with components embeddedinto or attached to it.

As used herein, the term “flexible” means the ability to be changed inshape by a physical force and then return back to that shape once thephysical force is removed.

The terms “human subject” and “subject” are used interchangeably torefer to a human whose head is affixed with the EEG apparatus describedherein during use.

As used herein, the term “bio-signal” refers to bioelectrical signalsthat may be measured.

As used herein, the term “outside computing means” or “outside computingdevice” refers to a computing article not physically connected to theEEG apparatus as disclosed herein and can operate independently from theEEG apparatus.

As used herein, the International Standard electrode placement system,or the 10-20 system refers to the International 10-20 system to describeand apply the location of scalp electrodes in the context of an EEG testor experiment.

The EEG apparatus disclosed herein and its components may be made of anysuitable material for the intended purpose of the electroencephalographyapparatus. Specific materials may be discussed herein but only forillustration purposes only and will not be understood as limiting inanyway.

The EEG apparatus according to embodiments collects human subjects'bio-signal from their brain activity, which may be displayed as anoutput and interpreted. The EEG apparatus disclosed herein may be easilystored and transported and therefore is suitable for use both in clinicsettings and at non-clinical settings, such as in battlefields, accidentscenes, or in entertainment. The EEG apparatus may be used for medicaltreatment and research purposes or other purposes, such as training,meditation, sleep studies, or esports. Other uses may be possible,depending on the need determined by users.

Embodiments of this invention relate to an EEG measurement apparatus tobe worn on the head by a human subject during measurement. The EEGapparatus'size may be changed by operation of a clasp to fit differentsubject head sizes.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus 1 completely assembled.The apparatus comprises two parts, a flexible, inextensible ribbon 2having operational parts and a stretchable, elastic band 3 covering theoutside of the ribbon 2. Both the ribbon 2 and the band 2 may have two(2) ends and may be in the form of a head band, which may be wrappedaround a human's head. The elastic band 3 may not have anyelectronically operable parts but may serve as a means to change theapparatus' 1 length when necessary and to exert pressure on a subject'sskull during use and keep the apparatus 1 in place. By way ofillustration, the apparatus 1 may be about 46-53 centimeters in lengthand about 2.5-3.5 centimeters in width.

The elastic band's length may be longer than the ribbon's length, suchthat the elastic band 3 may loop around the ribbon 2 by resting in theeyelets. Tightening or loosening of the elastic band 3 using the clasp11 may change the effective working length of the band 3 and affect theposition of the various components present on the ribbon 2 uponapplication to the subject's head.

In FIG. 1, the electronic block 6 and the battery block 7 are shown in aposition on the outside of the ribbon 2. This arrangement is an option,other arrangements may be present depending on the need. Specifically,the electronic block 6 and the battery block 7 may be both on theoutside or on the inside of the ribbon 2, or the electronic block 6 maybe on the inside while the battery block 7 may be on the outside, orvice versa.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ribbon 2 with the battery 7 and theelectronic block detached from the ribbon 2. In this embodiment, thebattery 7 and the electronic block 6 are both situated on the outside ofthe ribbon 2 when attached. The ribbon 2 may be a swath of flexible,inextensible material, which may be pliable plastic or polymer dividedinto multiple segments. Each of the segment may be connected to anothersegment by a connecting mechanism 12, allowing the ribbon 2 to wraparound the human subject's head during use while maintaining a sturdybody for attaching electrodes, batteries, electronics, and othercomponents. There may be eyelets 10 situated on the outside surface ofthe ribbon 2, such that the eyelet 10 body extends away from and doesnot contact the human subject's head during measurement of EEG signal.FIG. 2 shows a ribbon 2 with seven segments but the number of segmentsmay be higher or lower.

In embodiments, the ribbon 2 may be coated with silicone to prevent dustand moisture accumulation on the apparatus 1. The ribbon 2 as a wholemay be dust and moisture resistant, such that it can be rinsed withrunning water without compromising the ribbon's structure or operationalintegrity. The ribbon 2 may have substantially the same widththroughout, or alternatively with narrowing width at the edges of theforehead. The narrowing may allow the ribbon 2 to better adjust tosubjects with receding types of foreheads. The ribbon 2 may bemanufactured by silicone molding under pressure. Segments of the ribbon2 may be operatively and electrically connected using flexible,electronically conductive wires. The segments may also be operativelyand electrically connected by printed circuitry.

FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of the EEG apparatus 1according to embodiments. In FIG. 3, the segment having the referenceelectrode 9 and common electrodes 8 are shown. The reference electrode 9as shown in FIG. 3 has an arrow with the word “up” to assist withorienting the apparatus 1 during application to a subject's head. Boththe reference electrode 9 and common electrodes 8 may be generally flatand come into contact with the subject's forehead during use and may becoated with the same conductive material, such as gold or silverchloride. Other coating materials may be suitable. The referenceelectrode 9 and common electrodes 8 may be electrically andoperationally connected to other electrodes, the electronic block 6,and/or the battery 7 by wired connections, such as printed circuits.Other connection means and methods are contemplated.

In embodiments, one of the segments may house an electronic block 6.FIG. 4 illustrates the top view of the electronic block 6 together withthe battery 7. The electronic block 6 may comprise a housing, which maycontain electronic circuit and other electronic means to collectbio-signals from neural activities. The electronic block 6 may be shapedto fit with the length of the segment which it is attached to. Thethickness of the electronic block 6 may be small, such that an elasticband may be attached to the ribbon 6 and cover the electronic block 6without a clunky appearance. The electronic block 6 may be removablefrom the ribbon 2. Attached of the electronic block 6 to the ribbon maybe by snapped on button, as shown in FIG. 2, by gel, Velcro, or othersuitable attachment means.

The electronics inside the electronic block 6 may be a flexible printedcircuit board with necessary components for the operation of the EEGapparatus 1, such as Bluetooth module, analog frontend chip,analog-digital chip, and microprocessor, among other components. Theelectronic block 6 may be electrically connected to the electrodes 5, 8,9 and the battery 7 via electrical connections, which may be printedcircuits. Other wired connection means are contemplated.

The electronic block 6 may comprise means to collect bio-signals fromthe electrodes 5, 8, 9, filter and preliminarily analyze collectedsignal, then communicate with outside computing means, such as acomputer, a desktop, a laptop, a smart phone, a tablet, or a computerembedded into another device. Communication with outside computing meansmay be by wireless communication means, such as by Bluetoothcommunication. Other wireless communication means are contemplated.Communication with outside computing means may also be by wiredconnection.

In embodiments, another segment within the ribbon 6 may house a battery7. There may be at least one battery 7 present in the apparatus 1, butmore than one battery is contemplated. The battery 7 may be attached toa segment of the ribbon 7 such that the battery 7 is on thenon-skin-contact side of the ribbon 2. FIG. 4 illustrates the top viewof the battery 7 as assembled into the ribbon 2. The battery 7 may beremovable. The apparatus 1 may remain in hibernation mode when not inused with the battery 7 attached to the apparatus 1 and the battery 7may be removed for charging when needed. In an alternative embodiment,the battery 7 may be permanently built into the ribbon 2 and ischargeable. In yet another alternative embodiment, the apparatus 1 maybe powered by non-battery means, such as by an electrical plug connectedto a power point. The apparatus 1 may be also be provided with bothpower supply means, i.e. with a battery and an electrical plug.Optionally, an on/off button may be included if the battery 7 is builtinto the apparatus 1.

In embodiments, the segment carrying the battery 7 and the segmentcarrying the electronic block 6 may be positioned such that each ofthese segments may touch the human subject's temple during use of theapparatus 1. The human temple is relatively flat, allowing theelectronic block 6 segment and the battery 7 segment to come intocontact with the human head without causing discomfort to the humansubject.

In embodiments, between the battery 7 segment and the electronic block 6segment may be a reference segment. On the inside of the referencesegment may be a common electrode for grounding 8 and a referenceelectrode 9. FIG. 5 shows the common electrode 8 and the referenceelectrode 9 as present on the inside of the reference segment. This samesegment is also visualized on FIG. 3. The reference segment may belocated and sized to fit with the forehead region of the human subject.Both the common electrode 8 and the reference electrode 9 may be coatedin the same material with the electrodes 4, preferably with gold. Bycoating the electrodes with the same material, electro-galvanic effectsare minimized, thereby improving durability and signal quality. The flatelectrodes on the forehead region also may improve signal quality. Sweatmay gather between the flat electrodes and the human skin on theforehead, thereby increasing conductivity and consequently, signalquality.

The common electrode 8 and the reference electrode 9 may be generallyflat, such that the electrodes are flexible enough to fit the curve ofthe skull while maintaining contact with the forehead. Since theforehead is hairless, electrodes on this segment may be flat to improvecomfort and at the same time flexible enough to maintain contact aroundthe forehead's curvature.

As shown in FIG. 5, the common electrode 8 may be split into two (2)parts, with the reference (signal) electrode 9 situated between the twoparts. The two-part common electrode 8 may increase contact surface areawith the subject's forehead. In the apparatus 1, the two-part commonelectrode is the connector in a single circuit by wire on the flexible,inextensible ribbon 2.

In an alternatively embodiment, the reference segment may be made fromsilicone molding such that the shape fits the curve of the forehead.This may improve contact between the electrodes and the subject'sforehead. In this embodiment, the reference segment may have a differentinside surface than the other segments, in that it has been molded tofit the forehead and is not generally flat on the inside.

In embodiments, on the remaining segments of the ribbon 2 may be signalelectrodes 4. Signal electrodes 4 may collect bio-signals from brainactivities and transmit collected signals to the electronic block 6through wired connection. Signal electrodes 4 may collect bio-signalsusing direct, physical contact with the skin on the skull. However, theskull is covered in hair and thus signal electrodes may need to ensurean adequate contact surface between the electrode head and the subject'sscalp.

In embodiments, signal electrodes 4 may comprise multiple contactelectrodes 5 in the nature of spring-loaded pins with contact heads 13.FIG. 6 illustrates the contact electrodes 5 in a row, while FIG. 9illustrates an isolated contact electrode 5. Each of the contact heads13 may comprise a rounded half-ball, in the shape of a hemisphereconnected to a spring (not shown), which may be housed inside asubstantially tubular body similar to a pin, and the tubular body mayrest on a base which is soldered to the printed circuit board that formsthe wired connection among the electrical components on the ribbon 2.The contact head 13, the spring, and the tubular body together form acontact electrode 5. The pin-like shape of the contact electrodes mayallow for penetration through hair and increase the ability to form agood contact with the scalp, thereby increasing signal quality.

The contact electrodes 5 may be gold plated or coated with other coatingmaterials, such as silver alloys (silver and silver chloride). Goldcoating, however, may minimize standard electrode potential, therebyensuring high quality signal upon contact with the subject's skin.Coating materials for contact electrodes 5, common electrode 8, and thereference electrode 9 may be the same, such that electro-galvaniceffects may be minimized. Contact electrodes 5 may be made of conductivematerials, such as copper or brass. By way of example, each contactelectrode 5 measures at 7.2 mm in length, the head is 2 mm in diameterand 2.2 mm in length, and the tubular body is 5 mm in length and 3 mm indiameter, and the base is 3.5 mm in width. These dimensions are only forillustrative purposes and shall not limit this invention in anyway.

Contact electrodes 5 may be provided in varying lengths to suit varioususers. By way of an example, contact electrodes 5 with long pins mayprovide better penetration through a human subject's curly, thick hair.On the other hand, infants, toddlers, or bald human subjects may usecontact electrodes 5 with shorter pins. Contact electrodes 5 may beprovided affixed to the EEG apparatus 1 or may be provided separately.In that case, prior to use, contact electrodes 5 may be attached to theapparatus 1 at appropriate locations. This embodiment may allow theapparatus 1 to be provided with various contact electrodes 5 withvarying length and the user may choose the appropriate contactelectrodes 5 for each human subject.

In another embodiment, contact electrodes 5 may be provided separatelyfrom the apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the ribbon 2 may have premadeattachment points and mechanisms to allow attaching of contactelectrodes 5 to the ribbon 2 by a user. For example, a segment wherecontact electrodes 5 may be assembled into may be configured such thatit may be detached from the ribbon 2. Holes and/or snap on buttons maybe available on that segment to allow contact electrodes 5 to beassembled into. Thereafter the segment may be re-attached into theribbon 2. In yet other embodiments, segments of the ribbon may beprovided separately and may be assembled together prior to use. Thedesign may need to enable electrical contact between the segments uponassembly to enable functioning of the apparatus 1 as a whole.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a signal electrode 4 according toembodiments. Signal electrodes 4 may be formed by multiple contactelectrodes 5 arranged into an array. By way of example, FIG. 7 showscontact electrodes 5 arranged into a grid of five by six (5×6) contacts,equaling thirty (30) contact electrodes 5 in total. Other amounts ofcontact electrodes 5 and other arrangements are contemplated. A largeamount of contact electrodes 5 may increase the probability of obtaininggood quality EEG signal. By way of an example, the contact electrodes 5may take up an area of about 1.8 to 2.5 square centimeters on the ribbon2. The contact electrodes 5 may take up different sizes of area,depending on how many contact electrodes 5 and the size of theelectrodes.

In embodiments, contact electrodes 5 may be located on a flexiblesubstrate surface, which may increase conductivity and improve signalcollection from contact electrodes 5. The ribbon 2 may have a flexibleprinted circuit with substrate surface and contact electrodes 5 aresoldered onto the printed circuit. Additional cushion material may beadded on the ribbon 2 at the location with contact electrodes 5 tolessen the pressure exerted onto the electrodes 5 when the apparatus 1is affixed to the subject's head.

Upon applying the apparatus 1 to a subject's head, the signal electrodes4 may be placed such that two are on the temporal lobe regionscorresponding to the T3 and T4 positions according to the International10-20 electrode system and two are on the occipital lobe regionscorresponding to the O1 and O2 positions according to the International10-20 electrode system, and the reference electrode 9 and commonelectrodes 8 are on the forehead.

In embodiments, the electrodes 5, 8, 9, the battery 7, and theelectronic block 6 may be in electrical communication with each othervia a wired network embedded in the ribbon 2, such as by printed silverchloride connection or by conductive wires. A printed circuit board mayalso be provided with an electronic block.

In embodiments, the ribbon 2 may have a clasp 11, which may be locatedbetween two (2) segments, such that the clasp 11 fits around the nape ofthe subject's neck during use. The claps 11 may be detachable from theribbon 2 and the band 3. Fitting the apparatus 1 with the clasp 11fitted lower on the subject's skull may increase comfort for the subjectduring use. The clasp 11 may be as narrow as possible to allow theapparatus 1 to fit on small human head sizes. The clasp 11 may also bewhere the elastic band 3 may loop through. The clasp 11 is shown in FIG.1 at the connection between two segments carrying contact electrodes.

In embodiments, the apparatus 1 may have an elastic, stretchable band 3looping through the eyelets 10 and covering the outside wall of theribbon 2. The elastic band 3 may be made of, for example, elasticplastic or stretchable cloth. The elastic band 3 may loop through theeyelets 10 and the clasp 11, and slide freely along the inextensibleribbon 2. FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 both show the band 3 looping through theeyelets 10 on the non-skin contact side of the ribbon. During use, theelastic band 3 may exert pressure in a stretching position onto thehuman subject's skull, thereby holding the apparatus 1 in place,preventing movement of the components on the ribbon 2, and facilitatingreduction of artifacts in collected signals. The elastic band 3 may haveconsiderable maximum length under stretched condition, such that duringwear, relatively little stretching is required and pressure on the skulldoes not increase significantly in human subjects with larger headsizes. The clasp 11 may be used to extend the working length of theelastic band 3, such that the apparatus 1 as a whole may be extended tofit the subject's head size.

In embodiments, the apparatus 1 may further comprise a computerprogramming product readable on a computing article. This computerprogramming product may be configured for various applications, such asfor brain computer interface, transportation safety, meditation,esports, neurofeedback, virtual and augmented reality, or for monitoringof sleep patterns. The computer programming product may be provide as asoftware development kit, such that it may be further configured by anend user for specific applications of the apparatus.

In embodiments, the computer programming product may be provided as asoftware development kit with three levels for development. The firstlevel may provide the ability to customize for filtering raw EEG data toseparate any frequency rhythms, develop algorithms to identify areas ofartifacts in EEG data, as well as signal spectrum composition. Thesecond level of the software development kit may be developed to helpidentify a subject's condition by analyzing her frequency rhythms,thereby identifying various states or neural activity condition, such asrelaxation, deep relaxation, normal activity, agitation, or strongagitation. The third level of the software development kit may bedeveloped to provide a more in-depth assessment of a subject's variousstates during specific activities, such as meditation depth, relaxationlevel, or emotion detection.

The computer programming product may be a software operable on acomputer or an application operable on a mobile computing device such asa smart phone or a tablet. The computer programming product may beconfigured to wirelessly connect with and activate the EEG apparatus.During the EEG apparatus' operation, the computer programming productmay collect signals from the EEG apparatus, process data received, andoutput certain data and/or graph for viewing by users. Results collectedfrom the EEG apparatus may have many applications, such as medicaldiagnosis, transportation safety, neurofeedback, meditation monitoring,sleep monitoring, esports, research, virtual and augmented reality, etc.

Using the Apparatus

In use of the apparatus, the apparatus may be provided completelyassembled, with a battery and/or electrical plug as a power source inplace. The device may be fitted onto the human subject's head, such thatthe segment with the common and reference electrode comes into contactwith a human subject's forehead. The elastic band may stretch to fit theapparatus around the circumference of the human subject's skull. Somehair parting may be required to improve contact between the electrodehead and the scalp.

If the apparatus is provided with the contact electrodes not yet affixedin place, a user may affix the contact electrodes to the specificattachment points on the signal electrodes. Once affixed in place, thecontact electrodes should be checked for stability and secured in placeprior to applying to a human subject's head. A battery, if not alreadyaffixed in place, may be added to the apparatus.

Hair parting may be necessary to ensure good contact between the contacthead on the contact electrodes and the subject's scalp. Carefulplacement to ensure the reference electrode and the common electrode areplaced at the forehead region is required. Once the apparatus is inplace, the elastic band may be tightened and locked using the clasp. Theapparatus is now securely affixed to the human subject's head.

Once affixed to human subject's head, the apparatus may be turned on bypressing the on/off button, or it may be already on hibernation mode andonly needs activation by an outside computing means embedded with acomputer programming product configured to operate the apparatus. Theremote computing means should be activated and the computer programmingproduct also in operating mode. Once the apparatus is in operating mode,the remote computing means may activate the apparatus by means of thecomputing programming product. Contact electrodes touching the humansubject's scalp may collect bio-signals from the human subject.Collected signals may be transmitted through wired connection betweenthe contact electrodes and the electronic block.

The electronic block may receive signals from the various electrodes,filter raw signal and/or preliminarily analyze collected signals. Datamay then be transmitted via wireless communication between theelectronic block and the remote computing means using Bluetoothcommunication. Using the computer programming product, the user mayanalyze collected data and use the results in multiple applications. Thecomputer programming product may output certain displays from thecollected bio-signals, including, but not limited to, graphicalrepresentations, models, numerical values, or images. Signals collectedfrom the apparatus may be used in a variety of applications, includingbrain computer interface, transport safety, neurofeedback, esports,virtual and augmented reality, as well as tracking sleep patterns.

Removal, Cleaning and Storage of the Apparatus

After use, the apparatus may be removed from the subject's head byloosening the ribbon at the clasp, thereby reducing the pressure exertedonto the subject's head. The apparatus may be lifted off from thesubject's head once a physical gap appears between the apparatus and thesubject's head or once the upward movement of the apparatus may beeffectuated without exerting pain to the subject. Thereafter theapparatus may be cleaned and/or stored for future use.

Cleaning of the apparatus may be by rubbing alcohol wipes or otherantibacterial wipes on the inner surface of the apparatus, where contactbetween the apparatus and the subject's head occurs. Cleaning by rinsingwith running water is also an option. Since the electrodes are dryelectrodes, the contact heads may be cleaned using wipes and then leftto dry without affecting functionality. The apparatus may be stored in adry, cool place for use on the same subject and/or on another subject inneed thereof.

Construction of the Apparatus

The device may be constructed of available off-the-shelf components andcustom made parts. Off-the-shelf components include microprocessor PCBA(Printed Circuit Board Assembly), battery charging and load sharingPCBA, battery, switch buttons, various basic PCBA components,connectors, H-bridge controller, inductors, capacitors, resistors,wires, fasteners, etc. Custom parts include injection-molded plasticparts forming the ribbon, printed circuit board embedded therein,electrodes printed or soldered thereon, and the elastic band.

The ribbon may be made from silicone adhesive tape, in particular kSilGP40 PSA SE plastic parts by kSil Silicone Engineering Ltd. with thebased material being polyurethane. The band may be made from polyesterfiber braided latex thread. The clasp may be made from plastic such aspolypropylene. The eyelets may be made from the same material with theband or from a different material, such as polypropylene. Other suitablematerials may be used.

The computer programming product is custom made to accompany theapparatus and is provided in a physical medium such as a USB drive, amemory card, or a DVD disk. Alternatively, the computer programmingproduct may be made available for download from the Cloud by the user asan application on a mobile device or a software on a computing device.

Parts may be assembled by hand and/or by automated means. Parts that areconnected to each other are done so using any combination of theconventional mechanical fastening techniques (e.g., screws, pins, etc.)or by molding and/or soldering. PCBAs are constructed per typicalcommercial manufacturing methods. Operations such as soldering areconventionally performed using standard tools.

While the present invention has been discussed in detail with referenceto certain embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, thescope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description ofthe preferred embodiments contained in this disclosure.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patentscited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each reference were individually and specifically indicated to beincorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that a number ofmodifications and changes may be made without departing from the spiritand the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood that anyranges, ratios, and range of ratios that can be derived from any of thedata disclosed herein represent further embodiments of the presentdisclosure and are included as part of the disclosure as though theywere explicitly set forth. This includes ranges that can be formed thatdo or do not include a finite upper and/or lower boundary. Accordingly,a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such valuesare unambiguously derivative from the data presented herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for measuringelectroencephalography, comprising: a flexible ribbon with two endshaving at least one signal electrode, a reference electrode, a commonelectrode, at least one battery, at least one electronic block, andmultiple eyelets along the length of the ribbon; a stretchable, elasticband mounted along the length of the ribbon through the multipleeyelets; and a detachable clasp configured to connect the two ends ofthe flexible ribbon and the band; wherein the at least one electronicblock is configured to collect bio-signals from the at least one signalelectrode and electronically communicate collected bio-signals with anoutside computing means, wherein the ribbon is divided into multiplesegments, the segments being physically and operatively connected toeach other, wherein each of the at least one battery and at least oneelectronic block is each located on a separate segment of the ribbon,and wherein the at least one signal electrode, the reference electrode,and the common electrode are located on one side of the ribbon while themultiple eyelets are on the other side of the ribbon.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein each of the at least one signal electrode is locatedon a separate segment of the ribbon.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the at least one signal electrode comprises multiple springloaded contact electrodes arranged in a grid, the contact electrodes arein electronic communication with the electronic block.
 4. The apparatusof claim 3, wherein the contact electrodes are gold plated.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one signal electrodecomprises at least eight contact electrodes.
 6. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the contact electrodes are detachable from the ribbon.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the ribbon is made from pliable plastic.8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the band is made of cloth material.9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic block and thebattery are located on different segments, each of the segment contactsa human subject's the temple during use.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the segments of the ribbon are operatively connected byflexible, electronically conductive wires.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the common electrode and reference electrode are located on thesame segment, the segment contacts the human subject's forehead duringuse.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the common electrode, thereference electrode, and the signal electrodes are coated with the sameconductive material.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at leastone battery and the at least one electronic block are removable from theapparatus.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the band's length islonger than the ribbon's length, and wherein the band loops through theclasp such that the effective working length of the band may be changedby adjusting the band's position relative to the clasp.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, further comprising a computer programing productreadable on a computing article.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinthe computer programming product is configured for additionalconfiguration by an end user.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein thecomputer programming product is capable of being configured to filterraw data collected by the apparatus, identify areas of artifact, andprovide signal spectrum composition.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17,wherein the computer programming product is capable of being furtherconfigured to identify a human subject's neural activity condition. 19.A method to measure electroencephalography, comprising: providing anapparatus comprising: a flexible ribbon having at least one signalelectrode, a reference electrode, a common electrode, at least onebattery, at least one electronic block, and multiple eyelets along thelength of the ribbon; a stretchable, elastic band mounted along thelength of the ribbon through the multiple eyelets; and a detachableclasp configured to connect the two ends of the flexible ribbon; whereinthe at least one electronic block is configured to collect bio-signalsand electronically communicate collected bio-signals with an outsidecomputing means, wherein the ribbon is divided into multiple segments,the segments being physically and operatively connected to each other,wherein each of the at least one battery and at least one electronicblock is located on a separate segment of the ribbon, and wherein thecommon electrode and the reference electrode are located on the samesegment; providing an outside computing device, the outside computingdevice having an interface and a computer programming product configuredto operatively connect to the apparatus; placing the apparatus onto ahuman subject's head such that the segment having the common electrodeand the reference electrode comes into physical contact with the humansubject's forehead; activating the apparatus using the outside computingdevice; and collecting bio-signals from the human subject using theoutside computing device interface.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising analyzing the collected bio-signal using the computerprogramming product and outputting at least one output.